NBA Picks 1/13/22
Typically, following up a 0-3 day with a 1-2 day would be demoralizing. With the current Covid climate, stretches like that are to be expected. The Mavericks laid an absolute egg against the Knicks. Luka looked visibly upset at the number of misses on wide-open shots. The Knicks, on the other hand, caught fire from deep and ran the Mavs out of the gym. Both performances were atypical and games like that are going to happen. We did, however, nail the Celtics and Pacers game. It was the second time they faced off in the past week and we were able to prognosticate how the game would turn out. We knew the Pacers would struggle to score and that bore out. We are 3-6 since the start of this column but we march on. A solid night gets us back to .500. Let’s take a look at the NBA Picks 1/13/22.
Minnesota Timberwolves(+4) at Memphis Grizzlies(-4) 8:10p.m EST
Not much analysis is needed here. We are going to ride the Grizzlies until the wheels fall off. They have been bludgeoning teams and play the style of basketball the Timberwolves struggle against. When all is said and done, there are worst things to do than bet on Ja Morant.
Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4 (-110 via DraftKings)
OKC Thunder(+5.5) vs BKN Nets(-5.5) 8:10 p.m EST
The Nets are coming off a statement win over the Chicago Bulls. The Nets put up a ridiculous 138 points in the win but will be without Kevin Durant (rest) and Kyrie Irving (Vaccination Status) against the Thunder. As of now, James Harden is expected to play but that could change at any moment. I imagine the Nets won’t play with the same fire we saw last night, and the Thunder are, well, the Thunder.
Pick: Under 217 Total Points (-110 via DraftKings)
Portland Blazers(+10.5) at Denver Nuggets(-10.5) 10:00 p.m EST
Simply put, this line is too high. I would feel squeamish about taking a line this high with a good team versus a bad team. Right now, the Nuggets are not playing like a good NBA team. Jokic continues to play terrific but the lack of talent around him is palpable. Anything can happen in Warriors/Bucks due to injuries. The Clippers and Pelicans are both unpredictable. As the fifth and final game on the slate, we are betting on value or lack thereof.
